Waxweiler – Hiking, Water and History

Waxweiler combines views of the Prüm Valley with hiking trails, an outdoor swimming pool and a rich local history. From the Marian Column, you can look out over the valley and surrounding hills; the Devonium explores fossils and the development of life. You can shape your stay in many different ways—with time outdoors, in the water or discovering historical and paleontological topics.

Hiking trails with different highlights

Hiking Trail 100 loops around Waxweiler in the Prüm Valley and offers views of the valley. The Marian Column is also a prominent viewpoint: the 15.7-kilometer Devon Trail begins and ends there. If you prefer a shorter loop, the Biotope and Pulpit Trail is a 3.3-kilometer route in Waxweiler. It has two possible starting points: the parking lot by the canal and the Haus des Gastes.

The Biotope and Pulpit Trail combines scenic and historical impressions. Among other places, the route passes a Roman villa, a biotope, the Devon Trail and a lookout platform with views of the Prüm Valley; it then follows the Prüm back to the village. The stated distances make it easy to compare the 3.3-kilometer loop with the 15.7-kilometer Devon Trail, while making clear that they are different hiking options.

Another loop is offered by Nature Park South Eifel Hiking Trail No. 87, which runs through the area west of Waxweiler and around a hill formed by the Mühlbach and Mandelbach valleys. This means you can choose between trails right around Waxweiler and a route in the surrounding area to the west.

Time for a swim at the outdoor pool

Waxweiler outdoor swimming pool has more than 700 square meters of water surface. Facilities include a 25-meter swimming pool, a one-meter diving board and a three-meter diving platform. A large sunbathing lawn with shade trees completes the facilities and gives families space to take a break between swims. As an outdoor pool, it is a seasonal attraction; check the current opening hours before your visit.

Church, town center and Marian Column

The Catholic parish church of St. John the Baptist is a hall church built in 1770 to a design by Johannes Seiz. The lower stories of the tower may date back to the Middle Ages. The historic town center surrounding the church is a protected heritage zone: its small-town streetscape is characterized by residential and commercial buildings, most of which date from the first half of the 19th century. The church and townscape therefore offer different historical points of reference for a walk through Waxweiler.

The Eichelsberg is home to the Marian Column, created in 1948 by Anton Nagel of Trier from red sandstone and topped with a figure of the Immaculate Conception. The column is 16 meters high, and the Madonna with globe measures 4.30 meters. From here, you can look out over the Prüm Valley and the surrounding hills. Every year on a Sunday in May, a procession goes from the parish church to the Marian Column.

Fossils and geological history at the Devonium

The Devonium in Waxweiler presents the science of fossil life and the transition of plants from water to land in a playful way. Exhibits include fossils found in the Köppen quarry near Waxweiler, as well as the depositional environments of the rock strata exposed there. A visit therefore combines accessible paleontological topics with actual finds from the area. For families looking for a playful discovery alongside outdoor activities, the Devonium offers a different experience from the hiking trails, outdoor pool and local history.

The different trail lengths, the annual procession in May and the varied focus of the attractions can help you decide what interests you most. If you plan to visit the outdoor pool or attend the procession, check the relevant opening hours or dates in advance.

Discover more destinations

Speicher, Prümzurlay, Sevenig bei Neuerburg, Krautscheid, Auw bei Prüm, Wawern, Übereisenbach, Scharfbillig

For the main travel overview: Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.